Deforestation Religion and Planet Earth The effects of modern lifestyles Destruction of natural habitats Deforestation

Movie clip: “Home” 47.20-51.50 Deforestation: causes and effects

Religious teachings on the loss of habitats Buddhism “Monks and nuns must not destroy any plant or tree.” Vinaya Pitaka Christianity “The Earth and all life on it are...given to us to share and develop, not to dominate and exploit.” Roman Catholic Church, 1991 Hinduism “The Earth has enough for everyone's need, not everyone's greed.” Mahatma Gandhi

Religious teachings on the loss of habitats Islam “There is no altering the laws of Allah's creation.” Surah 30:30, Koran Judaism “Do not destroy trees...by putting an axe to them, because you can eat their fruit.” Dueteronomy 20:19 Sikhism “God prevails in all his creation...he continues to give us our daily bread which never fails” Guru Granth Sahib

Activities: 1. Why are natural habitats under threat? 2. How might a person of religious faith act against deforestation? 3. How can deforestation practically be reduced? Evaluate: A. “Deforestation would stop if everyone became a vegetarian.” B. “Humans need homes more than animals.”